"This is why I need NGOs like the MCPF (Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation) to play a role in informing the public of this news," Ahmad Zahid said during a press conference after officiating the 24th Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) annual general meeting at the Dorsett Grand Hotel here.

Ahmad Zahid, who is MCPF chairman, said the perception towards petty crimes such as snatch thefts leftb the impression on the public, that crime rates were higher.

"We need to see more campaigns to address petty crime, and by doing so, the people must be informed that the crime rate is dropping," he said.

There were 115,545 criminal cases recorded in 2015, and 103,346 cases up to November 2016.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang may table his Bill to increase Shariah sentencing only after the government has concludes its affairs in Parliament.